Nighte Pickering scored the match-winner late in the second half to secure all three points against AV Alta FC at Cashman Field on Wednesday night.
The Lights started their USL Jägermeister Cup campaign off in style: two wins in two matches.
After a 3-1 win away at Orange County SC on Saturday, Las Vegas returned home to Cashman Field to take on USL League One competition in AV Alta FC in the team’s second of four group stage games.
Christopher Pearson got the action started early amidst a heavily rotated lineup from Head Coach Antonio Nocerino. Standing over a free kick from well outside the box in just the 4th minute, the Jamaican midfielder’s strike proved too powerful for the AV Alta goalkeeper to keep out.
The Lights took that one-goal advantage into halftime, but they surrendered the lead just two minutes into the second half.
Nocerino made some aggressive substitutions to remake the team’s attack – Christian Pinzon, Valentin Noel, and Johnny Rodriguez all entered the game – but left forward Nighte Pickering in the game. That choice proved inspired.
In the 73rd minute, Shawn Smart picked his head up from his own defensive third and found Pickering running in behind. As the covering defender came across to challenge him, the 20-year-old forward flicked the ball over to put himself free in on goal. After two bounces, he struck the ball clean on the volley to find the back of the net.
That goal stood up as the winner, leaving Las Vegas Lights FC alone atop Group 1 with the maximum six points at the halfway point of the group stage.
Lo que dicen
MIDFIELDER CHRISTOPHER PEARSON
On his overall thoughts on his goal…
As soon as I saw it I knew it was within my range. I know the guys know I have that in my bag. It was good for them to believe in me and give me the opportunity to showcase myself. It’s a good feeling… I want to continue doing it.
On how being vocal is a part of his game…
It’s just a part of my personality. I’m very quiet off the field, but I feel when you speak it makes the game a bit easier. I tend to use my voice and it makes my game easier too. So it helps the team and it helps me so I’ll continue to.
ENTRENADOR ANTONIO NOCERINO
On if the Jagermeister Cup is a great chance for the Lights to win a trophy…
For me, every competition is important. I want to win every game… the trophy is a trophy. I play to win every game, every game.
On his thoughts on Christopher Pearson’s match…
Chris has good quality, good technique, and he has good talent. I want to help him more here [points to his head]. I want him more intense and more in the game.
Resumen
Luces XI inicial:
Ammeter (GK), Smart, Singer, Humphrey, Brewer Jr., Leal (Pinzon 63′), Pearson (Noel 63′), Azcona, Covil, Gannon (Rodriguez 70′), Pickering
AV Alta FC Starting XI:
Avilez (GK), Alassane, Pehlivanov, Mastrontonio, Martinez, Villalobos, Aoumaich, Blancas, Cruz, Desdunes, Alaribe
Objetivos:
4′ – Las Vegas Lights FC – Christopher Pearson
47′ – AV Alta FC – Eduardo Blancas
73′ – Las Vegas Lights FC – Nighte Pickering (assist: Shawn Smart)
Siguiente
The Lights are back at home on Saturday. After two USL Jägermeister Cup matches, the team returns to USL Championship league play for a cross-conference matchup with league-leading Loudoun United FC.
Tickets are on sale now for Saturday’s match at Cashman Field at 7:30 p.m. Head to lasvegaslightsfc.com/tickets to buy now.